Communist Party members from across the region have been involved in May Day celebrations this weekend.

In Plymouth comrades from both Devon branches took part in the Plymouth Trades Council May Day Festival. Following the march through the city centre their well attended stall was among 20 other progressive and Trade Union organisations present at the rally held at the university. John Mcdonnell MP addressed the assembled crowd, his speech can be listened to in full via the Plymouth Morning Star supporters blog.

Over 300 people marched in Exeter bringing city traffic to a standstill. Organised by the Exeter Anti-Cuts Alliance and affiliated parties and Trade Unions, marchers were greeted with cheers from watching crowds. The march was followed by a rally in a local park and and evening “Question Time” event with local politicians.

The newly formed Dorset branch had its first public event, selling the Morning Star at the first May Day celebration for many years, organised by Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland TUC. With over a hundred people sitting on the grass and more passing through, the event had a relaxed family feel. New branch secretary, Carl Wainwright, mentioned the new branch as he chaired the proceedings.

Yeovil & District TUC held a “fight the cuts” May Day celebration in the evening of 29th April. CPB member Liz Payne, speaking as a Unison activist, assured listeners that “We can win!”. This was the third May Day celebration in Yeovil since the practice was revived in 2009, and it was easily the best.

In Bridgwater the TUC organised an evening event. Union activist and local historian Dave Chapple gave an illustrated talk on “Fred Phillips and the Red Borough of Bridgwater 1952-1974.” This was followed by a discussion on the upcoming local elections, with local candidates and trade union activists.

The newly formed South West of England and Cornwall District of the Communist Party now has a branch network covering the whole of the region. Our new campaign website will be launched in the next few months. Until then, you can contact us to be put in contact with your local branch. Help us build the real workers' opposition in the South West.